Introducing the Bose® L1® Model 1S and Bose® B2 Bass Module

I just saw the B2 at Guitar Center. Looks nice. Of course I came to the forum for info, but there alot to digest. I have an L1 Model II with T1 and 2 B1's. Can I add an extra B2 to this set-up after the firmware upgrade? What would that do for me? Would it be much louder overall?

Hi ST, Thanks again as usual. I'm running full band backing tracks (that include drums) for variety music, everything from jazz to ZZ Top. I play guitar through a Kemper KPA and sing vocals. Sometimes I wish I had a bit more volume for it. It usual happens when I DJ in between sets at a large event/party and they tell me to turn it up and it and it just doesn't get there. Ideally, I'd prefer a stereo set-up, but you've answered that in a prior discussion on here. Perhaps the B2 opens up some new less expensive stereo options as well?

djazz, I play in a few different 4 pc rock bands. I can tell you the B2 makes a huge difference to the bottom end. I tried the B2 with a packlite and 2 B1s but felt the B2 on it's own was actually better. I'm not sure why that is, it was fairly close in sound and I was testing in my home so who knows. I can say that adding the B1s to the B2 certainly didn't add anything.

I can also say that out at a gig with 4 B1s on one side and a single B2 on the other (using two model IIs) the B2 easily outperformed the 4 B1s. I have been typically up until now using 4 B1s with one L1 and 2 B1s with the other. So I am pretty used to how 4 B1s sound. Without hesitation I can say that I am extremely happy with the release of the B2. If you felt like the B1s weren't getting you there the B2 certainly will. I traded in all my B1s and now have 2 B2s.

And as an experience more related to what you do, I lent one of my B2s to a buddy who uses backing tracks, including bass and drums, and he sings and plays guitar to the tracks. He does mostly blues and rock. I stayed for his entire show. He didn't want to stop playing, his sets were much longer. He was just loving the sound that much. I think when using backing tracks if the kick drum sounds like a real kick drum and gives you that thump and all the rest of the instruments including your guitar and voice just sound bigger and thicker, it's more inspiring to play.

So the bottom line of all this is that I would definitely get the B2. I wouldn't spend the money on a packlite, I would use either a B1 one or a B2, if you want to keep the B1's for maybe smaller gigs where you don't want to carry as much. I didn't even find a significant enough difference using two B2s as opposed to one to make it worthwhile to do that kind of setup. That said there could be a situation where that might be helpful, but my impression is that if you are getting to the point where you need more than a single B2 you are probably getting to the point where you need more than an L1.

Originally posted by Litesnsirens:... I tried the B2 with a packlite and 2 B1s but felt the B2 on it's own was actually better. I'm not sure why that is, it was fairly close in sound and I was testing in my home so who knows. I can say that adding the B1s to the B2 certainly didn't add anything.

Question: How does the introduction of the B2 with its increased performance over two B1's (and for less money at that) affect the value of the B1? Will there now be quite a few B1's finding their way onto Internet for-sale-by-owner sites?Just asking.

Originally posted by Bose Guy in Calgary:Question: How does the introduction of the B2 with its increased performance over two B1's (and for less money at that) affect the value of the B1?

Some general thoughts:

Perception of value is a very tricky thing to understand. I expect that there will be some fluctuations in the perceived value of the B1, and then because it remains a viable (if not preferable) option for some L1® owners, I think that issue will settle down.

The B2 is very similar to two B1s and some have said (no argument from me) that a single B2 rivals four B1s (two on the Power Stand, two with the PackLite amp).

The B2 does sound different than the B1. I think you'd need a fairly discerning ear (like you), or be pushing everything to very high levels to hear the difference, and you may or may not like the difference depending on your preferences and the sound sources.

For those who prefer the sound of the B1, this sways the value / price / performance considerations.

The B2 works with all existing models of the full sized L1®s, (Classic/Model I, Model II, Model 1S), but the B2 Bass Level Switch is only useful with the Model 1S and Model II (with lastest firmware). That doesn't mean that it doesn't sound great on the Classic/Model I. It does, but you need to control it from the Power Stand end rather than using the B2 Bass Level switch. See: L1® Classic/Model I - Results with B1 and B2 combinations for explorations of that.

The answer to everything is "It depends".

I think that for performers who are happy with a single B1, this is a non-issue.

For someone with two B1s who was considering getting a PackLite® Extended Bass Package (PackLite® amp + two B1 Bass Modules), the introduction of the B2 is going to raise some good questions. For that person, if size and weight of the B2 is not an issue, then the B2 gets SERIOUS consideration.

For a performer who has two B1s and is happy with two B1s, it's probably worth checking out the B2 if only to know what's going on out there, but only if size and weight of the B2 is not an issue.

For me, I'm glad I got the B2. But the reality for me, (vocals and guitar [solo/duo/bands]) I'll continue to use my single B1 for most gigs.

quote:

Originally posted by Bose Guy In Calgary:Will there now be quite a few B1's finding their way onto Internet for-sale-by-owner sites?Just asking.

Will there now be quite a few B1's finding their way onto Internet for-sale-by-owner sites?

I'm sure hoping this proves to be the case. I've got an L1 Classic with a single B1. I'm going to be keeping an eye out for a particularly good price on B1's; wouldn't mind adding another (not critical, but there are times I could use it).

ST, to answer your question, no, I didn't try it the other way around. As I said above, I did try 2 B2s and didn't find a difference that I could notice. It's possible that at a real loud gig or outdoors 2 B2s per side might add something, but I think a single B2 per system is so impressive that I really feel I have found a sound system that tackles my needs in fact exceeds my expectations.

@Brian McHale, I think you should be able to find some good deals on B1s now. I think it's still a great product, in fact as I have stated before, if I was only putting vocals and guitar (electric or acoustic) through my L1 I think I could be quite happy with even a single B1 (I'm using Model IIs). For that matter vocals and/or any other non-bass heavy type instrument.

I think that there are enough users who wanted/needed more bottom end support than the B1, or multiple B1s could offer. And since there was no choice of a B2 when those users went Bose L1 they bought B1s. So now there is a choice, some users including myself are unloading or have unloaded the B1s in favour of the B2.

Personally for my I don't mind carrying the B2 even if it was a gig that could get by with a B1. And if that was the case I can just put the B2 in minus mode and get that B1 sound. So from a sound spectrum perspective the B2 has it all covered. So for me there was no reason to keep any B1s. And for that matter I'd rather just carry the B2 and then see what mode, Plus, minus or normal, fits the room rather than show up with a B1 and then wish I'd brought the B2.

That's my reasoning and thought process anyway. I don't like to hang on to gear I'm not going to be using, but we are all different and have different needs. But I think Bose in one way or another can cover all of them.

HI everyone, i haven't been here for a while.Thanks to you all for such inspiring info.Just ordered my first B2.I couldn't be happier.I was looking for a way to hook up my 4 B1's without buying a packlite amp when i do my Roland TDW-20 gigs.Then i come here and everyones raving about the B2. Synchronistic!! Really excited about my function band gig tomorrow with 400 people with the B2.

Sold 2 B1's already!

I have been using 2 L1 mkII's with 4 B1's for 2 years now and i love them more and more.

I use them in several situations.

1. Stereo P.A. I have been doing the sound for festivals in England with audiences of up to 300. Mainly world and devotional music.I set them up at the front of the stage either side angled in 45 degrees, so they are F.O.H and monitors.Always works well. So i can't wait to add 2 B2's to this set-up.

2. Traditional placement behind me or me and 1 or 2 other musicians in intimate situations. Might keep the other 2 B1's for this as i find 1 B1 perfect got up to 40 people. One B1 always blows me away how much comes out of it with world music (i play Tabla, it needs a fat bottom end), but it won't cut it for my e-kit.

3. On stage monitor, So many world music gigs have been SAVED by the L1. I often plug the band , 2 to 4 musicians into 2 T1's and into 1 L1, and out to the F.O.H. We always know we are going to enjoy the gig this way.

Hey there ST, thanks got the 1.4 update.I wish it was B2's, but at the mo its just 1 B2.

Well i did my gig, 300 person masked ball. I was playing my TDW-20 Roland kit and i am very very happy with the B2.

I set up both my L1 mkII's 12 feet apart behind me, with the B2 on my right to handle the bass drum and lower baser tom toms and 1 b1 on the left for a little bit of bass drum and the higher tom tom.

I rolled off a bit of bass on the L1 with the b1 and added some to the L1 with the B2.

Over all the sound was really great. I will sometime soon go for 1 more B2. The sound from the B2 is very nice. I can't make a comparison with 4 b1's, but its much bigger bass wise than 2 B1's. I really felt like the Roland kit was sitting in the mix nicely. A big authoritive bottom end.

I had the switch at +, of course, i am a drummer!!!

I can't say i had any phase issues. That might be to do with the fact that i have stereo reverbs and a little stereo chorus on a lot of my kits.or maybe 12 feet is enough to stop phase issues. What i do know is, the Kit sounds really fantastic through 2 L1 mkII's.

With 2 B2's its going to be so awesome.

Trying out the B2 with my Tabla at some of the bigger gigs will be interesting.

LASTLY

I don't understand how Bose does its magic.

I know they don't like to use tech specs, and i know this is the best way.

But,

The amp in the power stand for the bass is 250watts rms right? Or at least 2 B1's are rated at 250watts rms.

SO,

how can the B2 match or surpass 4 B1's sound wise???

"ya canee change the laws of physics!!" well maybe a man from Bengal can, mr Bose if you are reading, Camon achoo? Danyabad mr Bose.

This addresses the following issue:When customers complete the update it still shows that they have V1.02 installed. In all actuality the update did take (enabling all B2 positions to work)however the firmware version is not renamed.

Updated instructionsImportant: After step #3 below (firmware update) you need to restart your system to see the firmware version number update on the T1®. I have inserted instructions in the screen shot below.

If you have already installed the updates The T1 and the L1 Updater sofware will report that you are now on version 1.2Install the new files in the link in this notice.

If you see this error message click Yes

The lead post in this discussion has links to the correct file.

little confused...Understand about the update for the firmware but what is this other update called the L1 updater_Mac_OSX...I have a T1 that I've been using for about a year with my compact but ordered the L1 model II and Bose b2 bass module which should be delivered sometime this week. Do I need to do this update also? thanks..

little confused...Understand about the update for the firmware but what is this other update called the L1 updater_Mac_OSX...I have a T1 that I've been using for about a year with my compact but ordered the L1 model II and Bose b2 bass module which should be delivered sometime this week. Do I need to do this update also? thanks..

You will need to check your firmware when your new gear arrives. You can do that with your T1.

What version level is your T1 ToneMatch® Audio Engine? (T1® for short)

little confused...Understand about the update for the firmware but what is this other update called the L1 updater_Mac_OSX...I have a T1 that I've been using for about a year with my compact but ordered the L1 model II and Bose b2 bass module which should be delivered sometime this week. Do I need to do this update also? thanks..

You will need to check your firmware when your new gear arrives. You can do that with your T1.

What version level is your T1 ToneMatch® Audio Engine? (T1® for short)

Hi, Thought I'd share my new B2 experience. I did the by-mail upgrade to my 2 L1's. Got them to select 3 positions of bass strength. Shipped back the T1 (Thank You Bose!)

1st gig...got there 1/2hr earlier than usual. tried using with just one B2 on left L1. (I play from a conventional mixer in stereo) And tried no sub on the right. For now at least, I'm using the B2 middle position because there is tons of bass there.

But...surprisingly, it sounded better when I also connected a B1 to the subless side. The sound was fantastic. The dancers had there thump. So if this is the best sound for me...then I will pack the other B1 and use it too. I'll then have a spare B1 left at home.

I really thought I could get away with just the B2 but the other side needed something I guess.

I didn't want to mess with the bass out to that hard left mixer scheme...I was too lazy to do that :-)All in all though I'm very happy with the added horsepower...Luv it.

Hey macmike100, this doesn't surprise me. If you had nothing plugged into the right side the Eq on that side would sound off, so balancing the EQ on the right would definitely improve the overall sound. And you are still getting the added low end that the B2 provides on the left side. If you are running mono from a conventional mixer I guess you would be getting the same bass to both sides one side would just boost it a little.

Glad it's working out for you. I haven't seen or heard from too many people who don't think that the B2 is an amazing enhancement to the L1 sound.

And with the other L1 subless at first, I then tried adding back a B1 to the L1 I was trying to use subless. Then everything sounded much better.

Like I said, the 2nd L1 seemed to want to have a sub connected to it. That was a surprise to me. I thought I could just use only one B2 on one side and subless on the other.

I really don't think there will ever be a need to add another B2 to replace the one B1 I'm still using now. So, I'm glad I didn't get rid of any B1's.I'm just going to keep one at home for a spare.

True, I could run a B2 on one side and 2 B1's on the other L1 if I really wanted to fill a room. But just having a B2 on either side makes for such a nice sound, I'm not worried that I'll ever not have enough thump. Besides I don't like to pack and set up so many items. Great box... and not as heavy as I imagined.

The questions I'd like to ask is: Does the model 1s sound as good as a model II with a B2?....Does it sound as good or better than a model II with 2 B1's?I'm guessing it's not worth selling a model II to get a 1S...

Will the telephone number posted earlier, for help on updating and older version of the L1 software stil be good? Should get my B2 delivered today, need to get system updated for the weekend. Thanks for any help

Please note that even without the Model II firmware & System EQ update, your Model II and B2 will be functional. Just leave the B2 Bass Level switch at the Normal (middle) position. That will work fine until you can make arrangements to apply the updates.

If I may chime in. Bose will send you, free of charge + free shpg both ways, a loaner T1 mixer and instructions how to update the B2. I did thia because I don't use a T1. Saved the day for me.But...after now having the capability of 3 levels of bass, I found that the normal middle position was just fine for me. Otherwise there was too much bass or too little. But at least I know that now where I didn't before. So, having said that, I wouldn't sweat not having the B2 updated in a big hurry. Odds are, like me, you'll probably like the normal position which is what you would get anyway without any update.

I now use a B2 on one ModII and 2 B1's on a 2nd ModII. This for stereo. And note: Always put all the subs physically next to each other to prevent low freq cancelation.

I get a great sound with good power. If I had L1's, there'd be less power. I'm very happy with my setup. I play keyboards, a Yamaha T4, and sing, solo act.

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